Most KNX IP gateways from established manufacturers are compatible with ETS 6, provided they support the KNXnet/IP protocol and carry a valid KNX certification. ETS 6, the current version of the Engineering Tool Software developed by the KNX Association, works with any device that adheres to the KNX standard, making compatibility largely a matter of certification rather than brand. Below, this article unpacks the most relevant questions professionals ask when selecting or configuring a KNX IP gateway for use with ETS 6 in 2026.
What makes a KNX IP gateway compatible with ETS 6?
A KNX IP gateway is compatible with ETS 6 when it supports the KNXnet/IP protocol and holds a valid KNX certification issued by the KNX Association. ETS 6 communicates with field devices over IP using this standardized protocol, so any certified gateway that correctly implements KNXnet/IP tunneling or routing will be recognized and usable within the software without additional drivers or workarounds.
Beyond the protocol itself, there are a few practical requirements worth noting. The gateway must be reachable on the same local network as the computer running ETS 6, and it must be configured with a correct IP address, either static or via DHCP. ETS 6 also supports secure communication through KNX IP Secure, a feature introduced to encrypt traffic between the software and the installation. Gateways that support KNX IP Secure carry this as an additional certification flag, and while it is not mandatory for ETS 6 compatibility, it is increasingly expected in professional projects.
Which KNX IP gateways are certified for ETS 6 in 2026?
In 2026, a wide range of KNX IP gateways from manufacturers including Weinzierl, MDT, Gira, ABB, Siemens, and Theben carry valid KNX certification and work reliably with ETS 6. The most authoritative source for an up-to-date list is the KNX Association’s official product database at knx.org, where you can filter by product category and certification status.
When evaluating specific models, look for gateways that explicitly list KNX IP Secure support if your project requires encrypted communication. Models such as the Weinzierl KNX IP Interface 731 and the MDT SCN-IP100.02 are well-regarded in the professional community for their stability and full ETS 6 compatibility. That said, the certified product database is the definitive reference, as manufacturers regularly update firmware and add new certifications throughout the year.
What is the difference between a KNX IP gateway and a KNX IP router?
A KNX IP gateway connects a single computer or application to a KNX installation over IP using tunneling, while a KNX IP router connects two or more KNX line segments together over an IP backbone. The gateway is primarily a programming and monitoring interface; the router is a permanent infrastructure component that carries live bus traffic between areas or lines.
In practical terms, you use a KNX IP gateway when you want to program, commission, or monitor a KNX installation from ETS 6 without needing a direct USB or serial connection to the bus. A KNX IP router, by contrast, is installed permanently and enables different KNX lines to communicate with each other through an existing IP network. Many devices combine both functions in a single unit, acting as a router for ongoing operation and as a gateway for programming sessions, which is why the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in product descriptions even though they describe distinct roles.
Can older KNX IP gateways be updated to work with ETS 6?
Many older KNX IP gateways can be used with ETS 6 through firmware updates, as long as the underlying hardware supports the KNXnet/IP protocol. ETS 6 is backward compatible with devices certified under earlier ETS versions, so a gateway that worked with ETS 5 will generally continue to work with ETS 6 without any changes at all.
The main limitation arises with KNX IP Secure. Older hardware that was designed before the IP Secure specification was introduced cannot be upgraded to support encrypted communication through a firmware update alone, because the feature requires specific cryptographic hardware or processing capabilities. If your project mandates KNX IP Secure, you will need a gateway that was built to support it from the outset. For standard programming tasks without the security layer, most gateways manufactured in the last decade remain fully functional with ETS 6.
How do you connect a KNX IP gateway to ETS 6 for the first time?
Connecting a KNX IP gateway to ETS 6 for the first time involves four straightforward steps: ensure the gateway is powered and connected to the same local network as your computer, open ETS 6, navigate to the Interfaces panel, and select the gateway from the automatically discovered list. ETS 6 uses multicast discovery to find KNXnet/IP devices on the local network, so in most cases the gateway appears without manual configuration.
If the gateway does not appear automatically, you can add it manually by entering its IP address in the Interfaces panel. Once the connection is established, ETS 6 will display the gateway’s name, individual address, and supported tunneling connections. Before downloading a project, verify that the gateway’s individual address does not conflict with any device already programmed in the installation. For gateways that support KNX IP Secure, ETS 6 will prompt you to enter the device’s security credentials, which are typically printed on the device label or included in its documentation.
Does the xxter controller work as a KNX IP interface with ETS 6?
The xxter controller is not designed to function as a KNX IP gateway for ETS 6 programming sessions. It connects to the KNX bus as a KNX device and communicates with the installation to enable app-based control, automation, and energy management, but it does not expose a KNXnet/IP tunneling interface for ETS 6 to use as a programming connection.
For ETS 6 programming, the KNX installation should include a dedicated KNX IP gateway or router from a certified manufacturer alongside the xxter controller. The two serve complementary roles: the certified gateway handles commissioning and programming through ETS 6, while the xxter controller handles day-to-day operation, automation logic, and user interaction through the xxter app. This separation is standard practice in professional KNX installations and ensures that both functions perform reliably without interfering with each other.
How xxter Supports KNX Professionals
xxter is built for professional KNX installers and integrators who need a reliable, feature-rich platform that sits alongside a certified KNX IP gateway in a complete installation. Once the KNX system is commissioned through ETS 6, the xxter controller takes over as the central intelligence of the building, delivering capabilities that go well beyond what a standard gateway provides.
- Full KNX compatibility with support for additional protocols including Modbus, BACnet, Artnet DMX, and Philips Hue
- App-based control via the free xxter app on iOS, Android, Windows, and Apple Watch
- Advanced automation through scenes, a planner, presence simulation, and custom scripts and triggers
- Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant integration via the Pairot bridge, with no subscription fees
There are no license costs or subscription fees, and the xxter app can be used on as many devices as needed. If you are specifying a KNX project in 2026 and want to understand how xxter fits into your installation alongside a certified KNX IP gateway, visit xxter.com or contact the xxter team directly to discuss your project requirements.